A severe weather outbreak is expected across the Tennessee Valley region this afternoon and evening. All modes of severe weather will be possible, including tornadoes, damaging winds and large hail. The greatest risk of severe weather will be from 3 pm through Midnight.
Click here for a list of official tornado shelters in Madison County.
By Jim Stefkovich, Meteorologist, Alabama Emergency Management Agency
By this afternoon, southerly winds will increase outside of thunderstorm activity with gusts of 35-45 mph statewide. This could down small or weakened trees. In addition, through early Monday morning, widespread 2-4 inches of rain will occur with some locations receiving 5+ inches in stronger storms.
Nothing has changed concerning severe weather as the entire state is under a Moderate or Enhanced Risk from the Storm Prediction Center. Don’t focus on the color as long-track EF2+ tornadoes are possible statewide as well as significant straight-line wind damage and hail to the size of tennis balls.
As with all of these type events, will every county actually have severe weather today or tonight? Probably not. But, is there a significant threat and potential for severe weather in every county? Absolutely! That’s why every person in the state should already have their safe location identified, can receive watches and warnings by at least two methods (outdoor sirens are NOT a reliable method!), and know what to immediately do when a warning is issued.
You can find out more information by going to https://www.ready.gov/severe-weather
Don’t be scared, be prepared!
If there is any good news, it’s that the weather from Monday – Friday is forecast to be mainly rain-free with no additional severe weather.
